The Holiday Help for Families Program will continue this year, featuring the collaboration of various community organizations.

East Troy Family and Community Resource Center coordinator Marolyn Komperud, who has taken the reins of the 2-year-old initiative, said a new organizational structure started last year made it easier than ever to take advantage of holiday giving opportunities.

“Previously, community organizations have worked to assist families in need to provide gifts and food over the Christmas holidays, but often as separate entities,” Komperud said.

“In our inaugural year Holiday Help of East Troy was able to serve 83 families with a combined 218 children between the ages of birth and 18 years of age. All of the agencies felt that this was a successful endeavor and that it would be an asset to our community to move forward in future years with this format.”

Prospective families in need of the program are referred by the school district, the food pantry, Helping Hands of St. Peter’s and other venues. Family gift pick up will be on Saturday, Dec. 19 at East Troy Bible Church.

Here are ways to give this year:

1. Toy drive

The East Troy Lions Club is collecting gifts for children birth to 16 years of age for its annual toy drive.

Donations can be dropped off at the following locations: Citizens Bank, Dollar General, First Citizens State Bank and Frank’s Piggly Wiggly East Troy. Donations will be accepted from Nov. 23 through Dec. 14.

2. Gift giving trees

Giving trees to purchase gifts for local children will be located at East Troy Bible Church, Good Shepherd Church, Realty Executives Integrity, St. James United Methodist Church and St. Peter’s Catholic Church and School with collections due by Dec. 14.

3. Secret Santa for East Troy Manor

Associated Bank is seeking East Troy community members/groups to serve as secret Santas by purchasing gifts for residents of East Troy Manor. A gift-giving tree will be located inside the bank lobby at 3292 Main St., through Dec. 22.

4. Winter clothing drive

The East Troy Lioness Club will be collecting hats, gloves, socks and slippers at First Citizens State Bank-East Troy Office through Dec. 1.

St. James United Methodist Church will also be collecting hats, gloves and mittens through Dec. 13.

5. Share the warmth

East Troy Boy Scouts Troop 92 will be collecting winter coats and gear at Frank’s Piggly Wiggly and the East Troy Lions Public Library through Dec. 14. All coats will be cleaned and donated locally.

Monetary donations for the Holiday Help Program can be sent to the East Troy Family Community Resource Center, PO Box 962, East Troy, WI 53120.

For more information or to confidentially request help for a family in need, contact Komperud at (262) 642-4900 or easttroyfamily@gmail.com